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CU System

Members contribute to Red Cross disaster fund

MADISON, Wis. (4/14/2010)--In addition to contributing to the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions' Disaster Relief Fund for colleagues hard-hit by the impact of Haiti's Jan. 12 earthquake, a number of credit unions have collected funds for general relief efforts. Most recently, three credit unions wrote out hefty checks to the American Red Cross for its efforts. In Chicago, $7 billion asset Alliant CU Foundation developed a $10-to$1 donation matching donation program that resulted in more than $39,000 in contributions. "The $10-to-$1 match provided our employees with extra incentive to give, knowing their donations would result in much larger amounts," said Alliant President/CEO David W. Mooney.

Children from a day nursery in the Minton-Capehart Federal Building in Indianapolis held a bake sale in the building and stopped by Financial Center FCU to proudly deliver more than $265 for the American Red Cross Haitian earthquake fund. (Photos provided by Finance Center FCU)

In Indianapolis, Finance Center FCU presented a check totaling nearly $26,268, saying the American Red Cross Assistance Program will continue for the next three to five years providing shelter, improving the water supply and sewage systems, developing health programs and helping families rebuild their lives with financial assistance. The $390 million asset credit union made an initial $5,000 contribution and matched the first $2,500 in member donations. The credit union's efforts also attracted contributions from several groups. Indianapolis Public Schools' Building America's Dream (BAD) Club, an after-school leadership activities group that promotes a drug and violence-free lifestyle, issued challenges to its clubs in nine schools and raised nearly $7,848. The Social Security Administration collected $170. And a day nursery's bake sale in the Minton-Capehart Federal Building raised $265 for the fund. In Capitola, Calif., Bay FCU set up a fund to collect donations for priority needs in Haiti--food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and search efforts through the American Red Cross. In less than two months, members, employees and community residents chipped in nearly $24,847. "As soon as we heard the news about the earthquake, we knew we had to help the people," said Bay Federal President/CEO Carrie Birkhofer. "Our employees jumped right in with their own donations and fundraising ideas. I'm extremely proud of their generosity." Credit unions also can contribute to a fund to assist Haiti's credit unions, employees and members. Use the links for more information.